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J.W. Meyers's avatar

Human spiders, relationship spiders, are the worst. This is painful, but I love the way you wrote it. The desiccation and iron walls that get put up in the hollows left behind is so precise. Thanks for sharing this, Stephanie! It's a sticky one.

Stephanie M. Vargo's avatar

I had second thoughts about this poem, but went with it. Yes, very sticky!

J.W. Meyers's avatar

I’m glad you did! It’s vivid and one of those things I think people who’ve experienced it will really resonate with it. Even if they haven’t, it’s an attention grabbing read 👏

imarkanx || istvan markan 🍁's avatar

Wow! This is a fantastic piece. Love the concept and your execution. So many strong images and lines. “You dangle my desires…”

Stephanie M. Vargo's avatar

Thank you so much. I thought about what it would be like to be with a real sociopath. How they use your own desires against you.

Echoes of Quiet Voices's avatar

Wow! Amazing piece here! And I agree with J.W. “I construct iron walls as scaffolding

To reinforce the spaces that you hollow,” is precise and such beautiful, creative writing. Great work!

Stephanie M. Vargo's avatar

Thank you! That is very kind.